From left, Zoe Anderson, a valedictorian, and Shane Christian address their fellow graduates Tuesday afternoon at Laker Stadium, reminiscing about the past they share and pondering what the future holds.

From left, North Tahoe High School councilor Jeff Ream, assistant principal Kristyn Leigh and Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Superintendent Rob Leri were among those present at Tuesday's commencement at Laker Stadium.

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That was a consistent message 61 North Tahoe High School graduating seniors heard Tuesday afternoon at Laker Stadium as they embark on life after high school.

“You have laid the foundation for your character and have just begun to define who you are and who you will become,” said Principal Joanna Mitchell, before graduates and their family, friends and teachers. “You are about to write the next chapters.

“What adventures will you create? What challenges will you overcome? What will you accomplish?”

Zoe Anderson and Shane Christian offered a few potential answers in their joint senior class address, envisioning their classmates might go onto become famous athletes, inventors, teachers, CEOs or celebrities.

“This is the great thing about life after high school — we can become anything and everything we want to be,” said Anderson, one of seven valedictorians for the class of 2014. “… We are adults who have the freedom to make our own choices.”

And the choices they make will shape their lives to come.

“Each of us has a path, all different, all shaped and decorated by the individuals we encounter,” said Bozhie Pokorny, a valedictorian. “… My life has been colorful and worthwhile because of all of you. I think that’s what makes this day resonate in an indescribable feeling. This is the point where our paths take a fork.”

Associated student body president Jack Blackmon and ASB vice president Peter Holmes offered these parting pieces of advice to their graduating class, generating laughter from the crowd:

“Better late than never, but never late is better,” said Blackmon, a valedictorian.

“An eye for an eye makes the world blind. Don’t aim for the eyes, aim for the heart; kill them with kindness,” Blackmon said.

Mitchell added one more recommendation: “Do not fear the future or failure. We all make mistakes and fail at some point or another. What kind of boring story would it be if we didn’t and how else would we learn and grow.

“… Embraces the challenges and conflicts of your story, celebrate their resolutions and always be the hero you want to be. Write your lives with passion and compassion, create a world you want to live in every day, courageously pursuing your dreams and surrounding yourself with people you love.”

Armed with their high school diploma they can now pursue just that.

“North Tahoe High School class of 2014, we can’t wait to read your stories, see the heroes you will become and celebrate all you will accomplish,” Mitchell said.